Hallmarks of an orchestrated smear

[pat_k]

I just re-read Jane Mayer's The Case of Al Franken.

Start with a drip drip, then pile on everything you can possibly dig up without looking past the surface. Release in rapid succession so there's no time for individual reports to be scrutinized. Cue outrage at "nothing terrible in isolation, but look at the number of them!"

The goal is to incite a mob mentality. Cue the pitchforks and torches.

It sure looks like some entity is orchestrating the smear of Platner following the same playbook.

Perhaps Jane will do an investigation of "The Case of Graham Platner." I'd sure like to hear more background on each and every report. I suspect it comes down to the same thing. A whole lot of smoke with no actual fire.

New Yorker
The Case of Al Franken
Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019

https://web.archive.org/web/20190829044419/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken

[al bupp]

1. Deja vue all over again

[Blue Owl]

2. Take some old school Rove tactics...

Then pile on some trendy social media bot-driven hype, a dash of AI-generated slop, and a complicit M$M who are all too eager to make the story more newsworthy than say tRump’s health crisis, the daily crimes of ICE, the billionaire economic takeover, etc. etc. etc.

It’s all so tedious and it should backfire in their face if more people would just wake up…

[pat_k]

5. You nailed it.

The tools for inciting a mob on social media are downright frightening.

And that's really the key: Mob mentality.

A mob doesn't stop and think. A mob doesn't take time to seek more information or put into context. A mob doesn't consider the human capacity for transformation. A mob doesn't call for deeper investigation of reports.

No. A mob grows on it's own momentum. Emotional contagion takes hold. As the mob forms people are thoughtlessly pulled in. As more join the mob, it's the classic snowball. If all these people are out there with pitchforks and torches, there MUST be a damn good reason. No need to stop, think, learn more, or evaluate.

Had the Senate not succumbed to mob mentality in December of 2017, who knows? We might have had President Franken in 2020. At 68 years old there wouldn't be much of a question about whether he should run again at 72. Biden was a very good president, but I suspect that if that alternate future had come to pass, Franken would have been a hell of a force.

[orangecrush]

3. The GOP pays pros big money for this

Not to mention the water carriers.

[pat_k]

8. Tragically, too many media outlets are delighted to jump into a mob as it forms...

...and they are just as thoughtless as all the others who are pulled in. But their reach is so much greater. When the larger media outlets pile on, they really get the snowball rolling.

As I note in post #5, that is really the key: inciting mob mentality.

[dave99]

14. Journalism died in 2016

[onethatcares]

48. a certain someone

said " every thing you hear from now on is fake news'

[dave99]

49. very few, if any, fighters left in media

[pat_k]

57. And we've got to treasure and promote each one!!

[orangecrush]

17. Remember who owns the media outlets

That considered, it's expected.

As we have seen recently, anyone who pushes back is fired.

[stopdiggin]

4. yep. it's all about 'the baddies'

Nothin' at all to do with Platner himself.

How dare anyone be so gullible as to imagine a somewhat flawed human being - and moreover, candidate?
Shame! Shame I say!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[pat_k]

6. Who said "nothing to do with Platner?"

Certainly not me.

Al Franken understands the part his own conduct played. But that doesn't make the smears and mob mentality that prompted Schumer to give him a "resign or else" ultimatum right. The "punishment" was so incredibly out of proportion to the actual "crimes" it is beyond belief.

And I'm sure Graham Platner understands the role his conduct is playing.

That doesn't make it right for a campaign staffer to leak something his wife revealed as part of the internal vetting process. That doesn't make it right to report that betrayal of trust as if his wife was an accuser, instead of what she was, a part of a couple that has done, and continues to do, the work -- a person who feels deeply betrayed by the breach of trust.

That doesn't make it right to report an account of a violent interaction for which there is no concrete corroboration with "support" that amounts to little more than vague innuendo. That doesn't make it right to pile on with reports of "unsettling" behavior as if he had been a rapist.

[MLWR]

11. And it doesn't make it right when one is supporting an adjudicated rapist, a fraudster and a credibly alleged pedophile.

[stopdiggin]

12. they're treating him so unfairly .. !

I (for one) see the analogy and similarities to Franken as being pretty slim. And I suspect that we will just have to continue to disagree on that one.

'Unsettling behavior' - with a guy that routinely got sloppy drunk, cultivated a 'bro' testosterone ethic, and had control issues .. ? Not really hard to put into frame at all. (at least on this end) Sexting, dick pics (not sure about the latter), logging in to 'teen' 'dating' site? .... You're just a bloody F-ing moron !!!

And all of this is still tip-toeing around the edges of some of the more nasty stuff.
So - do I think poor Graham is being treated unfairly? Bullied by the mean girls .. ? Perhaps - in some version of events. But mostly, just ... Meh!

(and, no ... the Times story did not report on the accounts of 'unsettling behavior' as analogous or equivalent to 'rape'. didn't even come close.)

[pat_k]

16. I see the hallmarks of a smear. YMMV

If truly vile people like Derek Black, Christian Picciolini, Arno Michaelis can transform and become leaders in the anti-racist, non-violent movement, I have no problem giving a man who is effectively advocating for progressive values, who has previously been a bloody F-ing moron, the benefit of the doubt.

[mahina]

26. Maybe, I donʻt know but David Costello is better qualified regardless.

David Costello (D)
Yesterday
David, whose family was not well-off and who, like many in Maine, began work early and worked his way through the University of Maine, George Washington University, and the London School of Economics. And who served for more than 30 years in senior-level government and non-government positions, both in the United States, including in Maine, and abroad – implementing and managing; not simply legislating or talking about complex multi-million-dollar programs and operations.
​
Programs and operations that included working closely with U.S. Army, the United Nations, and foreign aid organizations overseas – and various state and local government agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations in Maine, Maryland, and elsewhere.

Programs and operations that resulted in: elections, campaign finance, and motor vehicle safety reforms in Maine; improved public schools and expanded assistance to children, youth and families at risk in Baltimore; the implementation of ambitious job creation, education, healthcare, crime eduction, and environmental protection programs in Maryland; and the completion of more than 4,000 peace and community building projects in conflict-torn Cambodia, Haiti, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia.
​
The contrasts between Senator Collins’s and David’s backgrounds and public service records couldn’t be starker, and the decision regarding whom to support in 2026 should be an easy one.



https://www.costelloforsenate.com/

[pat_k]

28. Good case. We'll know who the nominee ends up being soon enough.

[pat_k]

29. P.S. I know you meant Costello, but you might correct the title.

[mahina]

31. Thank you

[questionseverything]

51. 2 funny, you couldn't remember his name

That kind of sums up his campaign, he might be more “qualified “ but no one remembers him, he just didn’t catch

Pushing a guy polling at 3 % is like rolling that boulder up the hill… not going to happen

[mahina]

53. Thatʻs a shame

[mahina]

55. I think Platner is a wolf in wolfʻs clothing and Mainers are being deceived.

Platner is another Fetterman.

Wishing them luck. Without Collinsʻs seat we canʻt take the Senate.

[paleotn]

18. Do you not understand how binary choices work?

Or perhaps you've never, ever been in a situation in your entire life where you had to take a bite of a shit sandwich or eat a whole shit sandwich. One or the other. No other alternative.

But I get it. If you'd prefer 6 more years of Susan Collins, that's up to you. Kind of like the Gaza folks who couldn't bring themselves to vote for Harris. Gee, how's Gaza doing these days? History may say the death of US democracy had many causes. Some were due to folks you'd never have suspected.

[DoBW]

23. creepy Collins, asshat

and her creepy people, creeping everywhere
the Platner thing is a hit job
F/ck the Collins creeps, where ever they show up

[stopdiggin]

30. not at all what I said

And I think you have to really contort what I DID say into some kind of an Escher print - in order to come to that conclusion.

What I am saying - and will continue to stick with - is that a lot of this 'stuff' is of Platner's own making. And not the 'nasty baddies' going after him and doing a hit job. This stuff is 'out there' and only needing to be unearthed. (which, almost inevitably .. it will be!) Not some invention concocted by the evil meanies!

Now - do I think his opponents (whichever side of the aisle) are going to make as much hay as possible out of it. Oh, hell yes! Which is absolutely to be expected! Isn't it? Wouldn't you .. ? When exactly has this kind of stuff not been fodder ....

Does that mean that I am endorsing Susan Collins .. ? Pulling for a GOP win? Because I refuse to 'paper over' all that is going on with our own candidate? Binary my ass! Are we really that simple? Yee gods .. and Get the 'F' out a here ! (and maybe grow up a little!?)

[paleotn]

54. Irrelevant. Mills is out. There are two choices. Two. Period.

Whatever your problems with Platner, legit or not, I have them too, but at this point, all that is irrelevant. If you're a Mainer, you can vote for him or not. Staying home is a vote for Collins. If you're not in Maine, you can either damage the Dem or not. Damaging him is support for Susan Collins. Two choices. Period. EOM.

THAT'S how binary choices work. Get it? Not really that hard to understand.

[mahina]

25. Iʻm excited by David Costello

David Costello (D)

David, whose family was not well-off and who, like many in Maine, began work early and worked his way through the University of Maine, George Washington University, and the London School of Economics. And who served for more than 30 years in senior-level government and non-government positions, both in the United States, including in Maine, and abroad – implementing and managing; not simply legislating or talking about complex multi-million-dollar programs and operations.
​
Programs and operations that included working closely with U.S. Army, the United Nations, and foreign aid organizations overseas – and various state and local government agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations in Maine, Maryland, and elsewhere.

Programs and operations that resulted in: elections, campaign finance, and motor vehicle safety reforms in Maine; improved public schools and expanded assistance to children, youth and families at risk in Baltimore; the implementation of ambitious job creation, education, healthcare, crime eduction, and environmental protection programs in Maryland; and the completion of more than 4,000 peace and community building projects in conflict-torn Cambodia, Haiti, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia.
​
The contrasts between Senator Collins’s and David’s backgrounds and public service records couldn’t be starker, and the decision regarding whom to support in 2026 should be an easy one.



https://www.costelloforsenate.com/

[ExtraGriz]

7. yep, we're prodded to not vote.

They'll prod you to not vote for Platner or Collins...just leave it blank and not vote for either candidates.

Suppression anyone?

[pat_k]

15. Classic counter-resistance stuff. Demonize, demoralize.

It's up to us to say F-that!!

Do I wish the unions had recruited someone who had been vetted in a previous campaigns for something? Yeah. But they didn't. They recruited Graham Platner. I put trust in that judgment. And I believe he remains a hell of a candidate.

I don't live in Maine, but I'll do my bit to support his candidacy. And do my bit to just say "NO" to the forces that are trying to incite a mob against him.

I have no doubt that Mr. Platner understands the role his conduct is playing. As far as I can tell he is is taking responsibility for that. And that shows character IMO.

Whether my judgment of him is right or wrong, what I do know for certain is that is that it is:

WRONG for a campaign staffer to leak something his wife revealed as part of the internal vetting process.

WRONG to report that betrayal of trust as if his wife was an accuser, instead of what she was, a part of a couple that has done, and continues to do, the work -- a person who feels deeply betrayed by the breach of trust.

WRONG to report an account of a violent interaction for which there is no concrete corroboration, while offering so-called "support" that amounts to little more than vague innuendo.

WRONG to pile on with reports of "unsettling" behavior as if he had been a rapist.

[paleotn]

19. Exactly how this works.

Gaza, Harris, and 2024 all over again. They keep doing it because it works. Look around even here and you'll see the results.

[FakeNoose]

9. I LOVE Jane Mayer ... she is an awesome writer!

Yes I hope she gets a chance to cover the Graham Platner story.

If he wins it will BE a story, but if he loses, nobody will care.

[pat_k]

33. "The Memo" in 2006 sent her to the top of my list of journalists to track.

The Memo is an incredible article about a hero, Alberto Mora, General Counsel in the U.S. Navy, who waged a campaign to ban the abuse and torture of detainees.

The story of how that effort was thwarted provides incredible insights into the key players and their lawlessness. It was my "go to" who's who of Bush administration evil for years.

The New Yorker
The Memo
Jane Mayer

https://web.archive.org/web/20140905064556/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/02/27/the-memo

[Don1]

10. The next things they will do...

1. Keep calling him "embattled"
2. Make implications he is violent without saying he is violent
3. Start rumors he is considering dropping out

[pat_k]

36. I fear you are probably right.

[Beartracks]

13. People are taught to assume that where there's smoke there's fire. Or also...

Last edited Sat Jun 6, 2026, 12:08 AM - Edit history (1)

... that conspiracy theories must have a grain of truth behind them.

Liars know that people are pre-disposed to think this way.

=================

[pat_k]

56. We are pretty flawed creatures.

Last edited Sat Jun 6, 2026, 01:16 PM - Edit history (1)

Easily pulled into a mob (or crazy cult like MAGA), slow to recognize error.

[dlk]

20. Where's the oppo research on Collins?

After all these years there is, no doubt, a large pile of dirt, especially for someone so closely tied to today’s GOP.

[H2O Man]

21. Recommended!

[pat_k]

42. Much appreciated!

A vote of confidence from you always means a lot to me.

[Skittles]

22. please tell me you are not comparing Franken and Platner

[pat_k]

40. I'm noting hallmarks of an orchestrated smear. No more. No less.

As far as any comparison of the attributes of the target of the smear, perhaps my replies in post #6 and post#15 address your query. If not, please follow up.

[Skittles]

43. alrighty then

[mahina]

24. I do not know but more focus should be on David Costello

David Costello (D)
Yesterday
David, whose family was not well-off and who, like many in Maine, began work early and worked his way through the University of Maine, George Washington University, and the London School of Economics. And who served for more than 30 years in senior-level government and non-government positions, both in the United States, including in Maine, and abroad – implementing and managing; not simply legislating or talking about complex multi-million-dollar programs and operations.
​
Programs and operations that included working closely with U.S. Army, the United Nations, and foreign aid organizations overseas – and various state and local government agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations in Maine, Maryland, and elsewhere.

Programs and operations that resulted in: elections, campaign finance, and motor vehicle safety reforms in Maine; improved public schools and expanded assistance to children, youth and families at risk in Baltimore; the implementation of ambitious job creation, education, healthcare, crime eduction, and environmental protection programs in Maryland; and the completion of more than 4,000 peace and community building projects in conflict-torn Cambodia, Haiti, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia.
​
The contrasts between Senator Collins’s and David’s backgrounds and public service records couldn’t be starker, and the decision regarding whom to support in 2026 should be an easy one.



https://www.costelloforsenate.com/

[pat_k]

39. As I noted above, you make a good case.

I'm guessing that across Maine there are many such conversations going on.

[mahina]

41. Thank you

[JoseBalow]

27. "Cue the pitchforks and torches."

(0:15)

[pat_k]

32. I recently watched Young Frankenstein after perhaps 40 years.

It was even better than I remembered!

[eppur_se_muova]

34. Thanks so much for the link! I always assumed it was even worse than what I had read -- but not that much worse.

I can finally use the phrase "unimaginably worse" in its fully literal sense. Shannon Tweeden should be sued for defamation of character -- she plainly lied in her testimony, actually plagiarizing Franken's skit to do so.Only a Republican could ever consider that acceptable.

[pat_k]

37. Thanks for posting. Seems to me too few people "get" the magnitude of the wrong.

It doesn't come up often, but I have encountered people now and again who categorize Al Franken's "fall" with the likes of Conyers or Swalwell. I take time to set those folks straight.

Then there are those who understand some sort of rush to judgment happened, but really don't understand the full scope of the wrong. For those folks, I describe some key findings from Mayer's article, but refer them to the entire article because it says SOOOO much about what is wrong with how "these things" play out.

When you pull apart the forces at work, it is a terrible commentary about how good people can be brought down by mob mentality incited by people with nefarious motives.

[eppur_se_muova]

44. I was glad to see so many Dems admitting openly that they made a mistake. Sen. Gillibrand I particularly held a grudge

against. Don't remember why exactly -- maybe because I saw the actual video of her standing up and denouncing Franken. Or maybe just because I had such high hopes for her as a Dem leader, then she led them into an Uglican trap. OK, I guess I do remember.


ETA: Jane Meyer is a hell of a reporter. I HAVE to finish her book someday !!

[pat_k]

45. Jane Mayer is a treasure!

Which book?

I read "Strange Justice" years ago (co-written with Jill Abramson) but have been more on top of her articles. Her books Dark Money and The Dark Side have been on my "I really need to read that" list for too long.

As I noted in another post, the article that put her at the top of my list of journalists to track was "The Memo," (2006) about Alberto Mora, General Counsel in the U.S. Navy, who waged a campaign to ban the Bush administration's abuse and torture of detainees.

The story of how that effort was thwarted provides important insights into the key players and their lawlessness. It was my "go to" who's who of Bush administration evil for years.

The New Yorker
The Memo
Jane Mayer

https://web.archive.org/web/20140905064556/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/02/27/the-memo

[eppur_se_muova]

46. "Dark Money" is the one I started. Armed with new glasses, I'm going to go find it right now !

And thanks for pointing me to "The Memo", I saw you referenced it earlier.



ETA: Found it ! Alas, no bookmark ! Also discovered "The Dark Side", which I knew I had seen in bookstores but didn't remember buying a copy. Probably bought it just before I moved for the Nth time.

[pat_k]

47. Here's a blast from the past

I dug up an old post I wrote after reading "The Memo"

The criminally insane fascist fantasies of John Yoo
Posted by pat_k in General Discussion (01/01/06 through 01/22/2007)
Thu Feb 23rd 2006, 06:05 PM
https://web.archive.org/web/20080107002329/http://journals.democraticunderground.com/pat_k/15

At the end of the post I included a list of the key players from the article:

[Don1]

35. Sudden Last Minute Things The Republican Ex GF

is saying are getting a lot of air time. No one thinks about why it is bring announced now...

Too late to vet the info.

[pat_k]

38. I think there are people asking. But when mob mentality is triggered, thought falls by the wayside.

My hope is that there are enough voices calling "foul" and "wait a minute here!" to turn back mob mentality.

[MineralMan]

50. Ask Hillary Clinton about last minute revelations.

"What about her emails...."

[DoBW]

52. Dirty little Collins rats

are working thre internet
big money out there to pound Platner

[czarjak]

58. While The Donald gets a pass on everthing?